LETTER: Case for exams

Diana Lipton
Friday 21 August 1998 23:02 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

LETTER:

Case for exams

Sir: I am a 38-year-old, comprehensive-educated, working mother. I did a PhD at a college for mature women when my children started school, and am now the admissions tutor at another all-women Cambridge college. I wasn't surprised when I didn't recognise myself or my colleagues in Bidisha's depiction of Oxbridge dons, "sat in their dining room mumbling `Ah, yes, now how to get some more of these ... these poor people into the colleges.' " ("Dreaming spires come tumbling down", 20 August).

I did, however, feel inexplicably hurt. Sorry if I've missed the joke. It's just that after a heartbreaking day on the phone consoling disappointed applicants and agonising with colleagues over decisions - not mumbling in the dining room but crying in it - my sense of humour has deserted me.

DIANA LIPTON

Newnham College

Cambridge

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in